Master the critical elements of marquee heating with our comprehensive guide covering heater types, BTU calculations, and strategic placement. Learn from years of experience managing winter events to ensure your guests stay perfectly comfortable while optimising fuel efficiency.
Master the critical elements of marquee heating with our comprehensive guide covering heater types, BTU calculations, and strategic placement. Learn from years of experience managing winter events to ensure your guests stay perfectly comfortable while optimising fuel efficiency.
Winter marquees can be magical. There’s something about the crisp air outside, the warm glow of lighting inside, and the sound of laughter echoing under canvas that makes these events special. But there’s one thing that can make or break the whole experience — keeping everyone warm. That’s where event heater hire comes in.
From intimate winter weddings to bustling Christmas fairs, getting the heating right is as important as the décor or the menu. If guests are cold, they won’t enjoy themselves, no matter how stunning the space looks.
Why event heater hire matters for winter marquees
Unlike a traditional indoor venue, a marquee has no built-in climate control. Even with insulated linings, heat escapes quickly, especially in breezy or damp conditions. Event heater hire gives you the flexibility to match your heating setup to your space, guest numbers, and weather forecast.
It’s also a chance to choose the right type of heating for your event, whether you’re hosting a dinner, a drinks reception, or an all-day celebration. A well-chosen system will keep everyone comfortable without wasting fuel or blowing your budget.
The main types of heaters for marquees
When it comes to event heater hire, there’s no one-size-fits-all. The right choice depends on the size of your marquee, how it’s being used, and whether you want the heating to be visible or tucked discreetly out of sight.
- Indirect diesel heaters
These are a popular choice for larger marquees. The heater itself sits outside, blowing warm, clean air into the space through ducts. They’re efficient, powerful, and keep any fumes or noise away from guests. - Infrared heaters
Perfect for spot heating, infrared models warm people and objects directly rather than the air. They’re great for smaller seating areas or as a boost in colder corners. - Electric fan heaters
Ideal for smaller marquees or where power is readily available, electric fan heaters are compact and easy to position. Just bear in mind they have lower output than diesel models. - Patio heaters
If your marquee has an outdoor section or smoking area, patio heater rental can make these spaces more inviting. Guests will be much more likely to use the outdoor space if it’s comfortable to stand around in.
How to calculate the heat you need
Overheating wastes money, but underheating leaves guests miserable. That’s why it’s worth doing a quick calculation before you confirm your event heater hire.
Heating power is often measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). A simple rule of thumb is to multiply the marquee’s cubic footage (length × width × height) by a factor that reflects how well it’s insulated and the outside temperature. A professional hire company can run these numbers for you and recommend the right setup.
It’s also smart to consider how guests will use the space. A dining area with still-seated guests will need more heat than a dance floor where people are moving.
Strategic heater placement
Even the best heaters won’t perform if they’re poorly placed. The aim is to create an even temperature throughout the marquee without hot spots or draughty patches.
- Place indirect heaters so the warm air is distributed across the space rather than blowing directly at one table.
- Use multiple smaller heaters rather than one large one for more even coverage.
- Keep walkways clear — you don’t want guests bumping into heaters or cables.
- For outdoor areas, hire patio heaters for event spaces where guests are likely to linger.
Patio heaters for hire – more than just décor
Patio heaters are often seen as decorative extras, but they can be essential in winter events. If your marquee has a connected outdoor area, bar, or smoking section, patio heaters for hire make the space usable even in cold weather.
From sleek stainless steel towers to compact tabletop models, patio heater rental options can match your event’s style. Place them near outdoor furniture clusters or high-traffic areas to make them truly functional.
Why hire patio heaters for event comfort
Hiring patio heaters for event use means you’re not just thinking about the main space but also about the flow of your guests. People naturally move between areas, and if stepping outside feels like walking into a freezer, they’ll avoid it altogether.
By keeping those transitional spaces comfortable, you create more usable space, ease congestion inside, and make the whole event feel more relaxed.
Event heater rental online – the easy way to plan ahead
If you’re organising a marquee event in winter, booking your event heater rental online can save time and stress. It lets you browse available models, compare specs, and get instant quotes without endless phone calls.
Many suppliers also offer advice and BTU calculations as part of the online booking process, so you can be confident you’re choosing the right size and type of heater for your needs.
Just remember, winter is peak season for event heater hire, so booking early is essential. The best units are often reserved months in advance for Christmas parties, corporate functions, and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Fuel efficiency and cost control
Heating a marquee in winter can be fuel-intensive, but there are ways to keep costs down without compromising comfort:
- Use lined marquees to reduce heat loss.
- Keep doors and side panels closed as much as possible.
- Warm the space gradually before guests arrive rather than blasting the heat at full power.
- Combine different types of heaters for targeted and general warmth.
A well-planned setup means you can run heaters at a lower output once the marquee is full of people and body heat is helping maintain the temperature.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving it too late to book – in winter, heaters are in high demand.
- Overheating – guests will end up opening doors or removing layers, which wastes energy.
- Ignoring airflow – heaters need ventilation to work safely and effectively.
- Underestimating outdoor needs – without patio heaters, your exterior spaces won’t be used.
Final thoughts
A winter marquee can be the perfect setting for a memorable celebration, but only if your guests are warm and comfortable. With the right event heater hire, a solid understanding of your heating needs, and strategic placement, you can keep everyone happy from the first welcome drink to the last dance.
Whether you need indirect diesel heaters for a large wedding, patio heaters for hire to make outdoor areas usable, or the convenience of event heater rental online, the key is to plan ahead. Book early, choose the right mix of equipment, and work with experienced professionals who know how to keep a marquee toasty without wasting fuel.
Contact easyEventhire today to discuss your event heater hire needs and make your winter marquee as warm and welcoming as it is beautiful.
